FORKS OVER KNIVES examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the so-called “diseases of affluence” that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces the personal journeys of a pair of pioneering yet under-appreciated researchers, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.

In this interview, Brian tells us about his experience making Forks Over Knives and then watching it blossom into a huge success…

JH: You went from commercial real estate straight into producing one of the most important documentaries of our time, Forks Over Knives, as your first film. What inspired you to take the leap?

BW: The evidence that diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and sometimes cancer, can be effectively prevented, and even reversed, by a whole foods plant-based diet is compelling. For whatever reason, the information wasn’t getting to the masses, so only a few people were benefiting from it. I thought making a feature film was an opportunity to change that, and doing something that would have a positive impact on people’s lives was something I always wanted to do.

JH: How do you feel about the outpouring of support and enthusiasm for the film?

BW: The response has been beyond what I had imagined. It’s rewarding. I think people see the potential in the concepts brought forward in the film as a real way to make our lives better.

BW: I hope that the level of education about food and its impact on health will increase, and that as a result, people will lead more healthful lives. It turns out that the same diet that is good for human health, is compassionate to animals and less taxing to the environment, so it’s important to see improvements in these areas as well.

JH: Can you describe the message you are trying to relay by creating such a critical piece?

BW: The message is that there is evidence that there’s something very specific we can do to greatly reduce our suffering from degenerative diseases. At a time when we’re trying to find solutions to difficult problems, it’s good to know that there may be one at hand—especially something that is simple.

JH: What was it like working with a healthy handful of the most innovative, influential scientists of our generation?

BW: Given my passion for the subject, there are no individuals I would have rather worked with than Dr. Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn. Getting to spend as much time with them as we did, and getting to know them personally, was an experience that is difficult to describe in words.

JH: What was your biggest challenge in making the film?

BW: The biggest challenge was figuring out how to take a vast amount of information along with a significant number of stories, and making into a presentation of less than 96 minutes. There’s a lot of material that didn’t make it in. We realized that the film represents more the beginning of a discussion.

JH: Do you intend to continue making documentary films with a similar message?

BW: Right now I’m focused on releasing the film, an undertaking that is quite substantial. I do, though, like the idea of making another documentary film.

5 responses to “FORKS OVER KNIVES”

I watched the Seattle premiere of Forks Over Knives on Wednesday and the film is awesome – a good mix of the science, the people behind the science and human interest stories. Rip was there to introduce the movie and answer questions which was nice.
I do wonder how big an audience it will draw beyond those already familiar with the benefits of a plant based diet though. Rip’s response to this was that he expected it to be as big as Avatar!

I bet that was a really fun event to go to! I would LOVE for the film to be as popular as Avatar too!! Maybe we should all commit to taking someone to this movie who is not familiar with the plant-based lifestyle…that would help spread the message.

I’n not a vegan, but a vegetarian and Fork over Knives sounds so interesting t o me. I really wish I could watch it, but sadly I live in the U.K, I doubt if it will be shown here so may just have to wait for it to be released on DVd.

I am so excited to watch this film! As soon as it comes out on dvd I plan to host a movie party/vegan potluck at my place. By the way, I’ve started hosting vegan potlucks, and most of my friends that come aren’t vegans (I’m not either). It’s a friendly, positive way to introduce them to a plant-based diet. I tell them to bring fruit or a salad and I provide a hearty main course. So far I’ve had a lot of open-minded friends asking questions and it’s been a lot of fun.
Angelahttp://www.veggievinyasa.com

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"The diet that helps to reduce weight in the short run needs to be the same diet that creates and maintains health in the long run."

~T. Colin Campbell

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